2-year-old's artwork helping reach dreams of dolphin therapy

When Chance Armstrong was born prematurely at 28 weeks, the doctors didn’t give his mother, Lainie, much hope for his survival.

Belinda Larsen

When Chance Armstrong was born prematurely at 28 weeks, the doctors didn’t give his mother, Lainie, much hope in his survival.

“He was so tiny that he could fit into the palm of your hand. ... I was told that if he survived, there would be a list of things that he’d never do -- like walking, talking and using his arms,” said Armstrong, a single mother.

Chance is proving the doctors wrong. Although his development appears to be about a year behind, he began crawling immediately after his second birthday in November.

Not only does he get around quickly by crawling, he has a fairly normal vocabulary and is an artist, using his arms and hands to produce bright and colorful paintings.

Armstrong introduced canvases and paints to her son on his first birthday as a form of physical and mental therapy. Chance took to it immediately.

He’ll begin a painting with one color and then he’ll say, “More, more!” which means he wants another color. Only when he’s satisfied does he say, “Done, done!” He usually paints several canvases before he decides he’s finished.

Armstrong had been working towards her masters degree in clinical psychology, but now she devotes 100 percent of her time to caring for Chance. He has seven therapy visits each week.

“We just make it work. It gets hectic, but we have a great support system ... and his therapists are really fond of him. He has a huge personality in a little body. He is a fun kid and he has a sweet, loving heart,” Armstrong said.

Chance’s story and artwork have touched many people. There is a demand for his paintings and the money made goes toward the cost of his therapy.

Armstrong and friend Jackie Garcia have set up a Web site that tells Chance’s story and sells his artwork. Collectors from all over have been purchasing his paintings online.

When the young mother heard about a wonderful therapy for children like Chance, she began seeking a way to make it happen for her son. Hopefully, he will participate in a dolphin therapy program this summer. Dolphin therapy not only provides physical therapy benefits, it also motivates and gives confidence for the kids involved.

“The therapy does have very positive effects on the children who participate. He’ll be in and out of the water with the therapist, the wild dolphins -- and me. I’ll be there every step of the way,” Armstrong said.

Research has shown that the dolphins are inviting and relaxing to touch and look at for the children. Their movements and sounds are poetic and soothing. Research also shows that most of the children maintain or improve their skills after being in the program.

Garcia contacted CityArts in Wichita, Kan., about an art show for Chance’s art, hoping to find financing for the $8,000 dolphin therapy trip to Florida. CityArts waived the usual percentage it takes on artwork that is sold and agreed to donate space to highlight Chance’s paintings.

The show will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 28, at CityArts, 334 N. Mead in Wichita, and Armstrong expects to have about 60 of her son’s paintings for sale. The evening will also feature a performance by Nikki Moddelmog, and chocolate milk, juice and cookies will be served. Those attending will also have the opportunity to meet the young artist.

“We’re so grateful. When you’ve never asked for help in your life, you have to put pride aside and be gracious and appreciative. Every little bit helps. When the news seems to focus on the bad, it’s wonderful to hear about nice and kind people -- many are strangers, but they want to help. It’s overwhelming,” Armstrong said, fighting back tears.

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